The Region : Computer Worker's Error Frees Prisoner

A Los Angeles suspect in the robbery of a Columbus jewelry store was mistakenly released from jail in the Ohio capital when a computer operator failed to realize the man had just been indicted in the case. Authorities said Charles Johnson, 24, was allowed to walk out of Franklin County Jail because initial charges had been dropped to avoid a Municipal Court preliminary hearing, made unnecessary by the indictment. Johnson, who with an accomplice was extradited from California last month, is believed to be a member of a Los Angeles-based gang that travels by jet to cities around the country to rob jewelry stores.